Edmond Hall - Edmond Hall's Last Concert (CD)

All Music Guide

It seems strange to hear clarinetist Edmond Hall sounding so strong and very much in his musical prime during what would be his final performance, but Hall's death just eight days later was due to a sudden heart attack suffered while shoveling snow rather than any long-term illness. This 1996 CD mostly features Hall at a Massachusetts concert in a septet also co-starring cornetist Bobby Hackett. They run through eight Dixieland standards (including "When the Saints Go Marching In") with spirit and swing. The music (which was previously unissued) is joined by three formerly unknown Hall showcases that feature him as the only horn at a 1964 concert. Excellent performances, easily recommended to Dixieland collectors.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide